When Death Struck the Speedway. The pictures above, made by a Paramount newsreel cameraman, show in graphic detail the triple crash which caused the death of Flord Roberts of Van Nuys, Cal., as he tried for his second consecutive victory in the 500-mile speed classic at Indianapolis, May 30. The event was won by Wilbur Shaw. Crash series shows:(1) Roberts’ car nears crash with Bob Swanson as another driver(right) swerves to safety. (2)The crash. Roberts’ car careens into fence. (3)Roberts’ car hurdles wall, as Swanson falls from seat. (4)Roberts’ continues fatal drive. Swanson continues tumble to track as another contestant(at right) roars by. (5) Swanson is clear of blazing racer. (6) Swanson’s car runs wild while he lies on track at right. (7)Final position of Swanson’s blazing car. Swanson seriously injured, Roberts dead(off track at left). Chet Miller, third man in fatal crash, hit Swanson car and crashed through fence into infield before this series was made.

Associated Press · [ca. May 1939]

[Information from item housing] Auto Racing: Wrecks